Let me start out by saying I am proud of our organization and the board that serves to lead. We do have an amazing gang. Please take the time to read our updated goals for the coming year. Although these goals are identical to the previous year a commonsense strategy has been established to build on what has already been accomplished and to point to additional opportunities for members to help contribute to our continued success in these vital areas. Of immediate priority is to thank Tom Boser for serving faithfully as our raffle chair for the last several years and to find a suitable replacement to take over these duties. Tom’s time balancing the combined responsibilities of family, and work has left little available time to devote to chairing such an important Association fundraiser, so he has regretfully decided to step down from this position but is more than willing to answer questions about the position and to assist in advising and training the next Chair. Any questions feel free to contact either of us. Tom 320-290-4149 or Brian 507-276-6322.

 

MTA’s 2023 calendars are now available for purchase with a visit to our website or giving me a call. In order to save the Association postage expenses they will also be available on Saturday at the winter meeting. I’m still accepting Warrior 99 Club memberships. An application is included in this issue.

 

With a little over a year under my belt as president, it’s apparent that as an organization, our members cannot exist on separate philosophical shores and remain relevant.  Our ongoing commitment to membership unity and engagement remains essential to our continued strength as an organization. Association engagement is a two-way street. You are encouraged to contact your respective director and Directors have been invited to do likewise, touching base with their members on a personal level. The same goes for members contacting your president and/or vice president with their concerns and comments. Please stay engaged in the activities of Your organization by reviewing BOD minutes prepared for the membership by Katelyn who consistently does an outstanding job.

 

Our budget committee is now in the process of creating our proposed 2023 budget which continues to serve an essential function in guiding the responsible use of Association funds thanks in no small part to Brenda’s organizational skills. The new budget will be available for review by our winter BOD meeting scheduled for Friday, Jan. 13th in Brainerd. The General Membership Meeting is to be held Friday, January 14th, at 11:00 am, in Baxter. That evening our annual Legal Defense Fund Banquet will follow at the Brainerd Legion. See Dale’s LDF report for details.